Today's letters: Set the tone

Published: Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, December 21, 2012 at 7:02 p.m.

To the editor: Americans will search for reasons for the tragic school massacre in Connecticut. At least three factors are involved — gun accessibility, mental health and cultural environment.

Most will focus on gun accessibility. As tough as it may seem, it’s the easiest issue with which to deal. But Connecticut already has the fourth toughest gun laws in the country. Tightening of guns law is not likely to help much.

Mental illness detection and treatment often conflict with privacy and freedom concerns. As a society, we have chosen not to sufficiently help the mentally ill.

But even if we had ideal gun laws and great mental health care, we would still have tragic shootings because of our cultural environment. We have created a culture of death. We allow and even encourage our children to play or watch violent games and movies. We tolerate and defend abortion. Support is growing for assisted suicide and euthanasia. The death penalty is still supported by most Americans.

Is it any wonder that shooters have no concern for the lives of their victims?

Parents and leaders must set the tone for valuing and nurturing every human life. Respect for life must permeate our education systems.

John Gallenberger

Hendersonville

They’re worth it

To the editor: Regarding the events at Sandy Hook Elementary School: It can happen here, also. That was a very sad day in our country.

One possibility would be to put a police officer at every main entrance to each school. Then have all the other exits with an alarm on them. During school hours, no one goes into a school except by the front door. If cities and counties do not have enough personnel to man the front doors, then call on reserves and the National Guard.

We do a good job at our local courthouse of screening everyone who comes into the building. So aren’t our children worth hiring the extra security officers?

Bob Behmer

Hendersonville

Had enough

To the editor: The last time I saw a production at the Flat Rock Playhouse, it was “Tuna Goes to Las Vegas.” Prior to that, I had thoroughly enjoyed “Sound of Music,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Man of La Mancha” and various Agatha Christie mysteries and Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals. The current offering didn’t sound up to those, but I thought I’d try it anyway.

Although the characters from the little town of Tuna, Texas, were delightful, I have never seen so many references to rear ends, displays of decorated rear ends and other homosexual innuendos in my life! I was deeply disturbed and would have left, but my car was blocked in. I could tell other folks were uncomfortable as well.

Apparently, the new management at the Playhouse had changed it into something foreign to the mountain heritage and values of Hendersonville. I am very sorry for that — it is a great loss. Support the Playhouse? Only with this — my 2 cents.

That play was the last time I supported the Playhouse, and that will remain so until some new management gets in there who understands good and decent entertainment.

Janice Parker

Hendersonville

City proposal

To the editor: I understand that the city of Hendersonville is proposing to allow parking on either side of Fifth Avenue between Justice and Blythe, a move I applaud. As one who lives in this area, I’m happy to see any move that will slow down traffic.

My only suggestions are to restripe Fifth so that both the eastbound and westbound lanes are the same width, and to patrol the area to prevent parking above the curb on the sidewalk.

<p>To the editor: Americans will search for reasons for the tragic school massacre in Connecticut. At least three factors are involved  gun accessibility, mental health and cultural environment.</p><p>Most will focus on gun accessibility. As tough as it may seem, it’s the easiest issue with which to deal. But Connecticut already has the fourth toughest gun laws in the country. Tightening of guns law is not likely to help much.</p><p>Mental illness detection and treatment often conflict with privacy and freedom concerns. As a society, we have chosen not to sufficiently help the mentally ill.</p><p>But even if we had ideal gun laws and great mental health care, we would still have tragic shootings because of our cultural environment. We have created a culture of death. We allow and even encourage our children to play or watch violent games and movies. We tolerate and defend abortion. Support is growing for assisted suicide and euthanasia. The death penalty is still supported by most Americans.</p><p>Is it any wonder that shooters have no concern for the lives of their victims?</p><p>Parents and leaders must set the tone for valuing and nurturing every human life. Respect for life must permeate our education systems.</p><p><em>John Gallenberger</em></p><p><em>Hendersonville</em></p><h3>They’re worth it</h3>
<p>To the editor: Regarding the events at Sandy Hook Elementary School: It can happen here, also. That was a very sad day in our country.</p><p>One possibility would be to put a police officer at every main entrance to each school. Then have all the other exits with an alarm on them. During school hours, no one goes into a school except by the front door. If cities and counties do not have enough personnel to man the front doors, then call on reserves and the National Guard.</p><p>We do a good job at our local courthouse of screening everyone who comes into the building. So aren’t our children worth hiring the extra security officers?</p><p><em>Bob Behmer</em></p><p><em>Hendersonville</em></p><h3>Had enough</h3>
<p>To the editor: The last time I saw a production at the Flat Rock Playhouse, it was Tuna Goes to Las Vegas. Prior to that, I had thoroughly enjoyed Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, Singin’ in the Rain, Man of La Mancha and various Agatha Christie mysteries and Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals. The current offering didn’t sound up to those, but I thought I’d try it anyway.</p><p>Although the characters from the little town of Tuna, Texas, were delightful, I have never seen so many references to rear ends, displays of decorated rear ends and other homosexual innuendos in my life! I was deeply disturbed and would have left, but my car was blocked in. I could tell other folks were uncomfortable as well.</p><p>Apparently, the new management at the Playhouse had changed it into something foreign to the mountain heritage and values of Hendersonville. I am very sorry for that  it is a great loss. Support the Playhouse? Only with this  my 2 cents.</p><p>That play was the last time I supported the Playhouse, and that will remain so until some new management gets in there who understands good and decent entertainment.</p><p><em>Janice Parker</em></p><p><em>Hendersonville</em></p><h3>City proposal</h3>
<p>To the editor: I understand that the city of Hendersonville is proposing to allow parking on either side of Fifth Avenue between Justice and Blythe, a move I applaud. As one who lives in this area, I’m happy to see any move that will slow down traffic.</p><p>My only suggestions are to restripe Fifth so that both the eastbound and westbound lanes are the same width, and to patrol the area to prevent parking above the curb on the sidewalk.</p><p><em>Skip Fendley</em></p><p><em>Hendersonville</em></p>